Fear Is a Choice: Tackling Life's Challenges with Dignity, Faith, and Determination

From fighting for his life to pursuing a career in the NFL, ACC Player of the Year and star Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner has lived a story offering wisdom and advice for anyone who has faced adversity.

During his first two years at the University of Pittsburgh, running back James Conner became one of the Panthers’ biggest stars, breaking records and winning the adoration of fans. Then, in the first game of his junior year, disaster struck in the form of a torn MCL. During rehab, James’s health continued to inexplicably deteriorate until a chest X-ray and biopsy confirmed the unthinkable: a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Suddenly, it wasn’t just the dream of an NFL career that was in jeopardy; it was James’s life. Yet when he shared the news of his diagnosis publicly, James rallied family, friends, and fans, with his message of hope and courage: “Fear is a choice. I choose not to fear cancer.” In just ten words, James defined his own journey on his own terms and refused to back down from one of the most dreaded diseases known to man.

Drawing strength from his faith in God and the support of his community and loved ones, James underwent treatment but continued to practice with his team despite the intense physical toll of chemotherapy. He was declared cancer-free within a year. Returning to the field in 2016, he finished his college career with a record-breaking 3,733 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns. Entering the NFL draft early, his success continued. Selected in the third round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, he quickly became one of the most beloved rookies in the league.

In Fear is a Choice, James candidly shares his experiences during his battle with cancer and beyond, encouraging readers and illustrating the spiritual truths and personal principles that got him through his darkest days. James Conner is an inspiration for everyone who wants to learn how to tackle life’s problems with dignity, faith, and determination.

How does a star athlete confront a life-threatening diagnosis without losing hope?

• Overcoming Adversity: From a devastating MCL tear that revealed a shocking cancer diagnosis to the grueling physical toll of chemotherapy, James Conner’s journey is a masterclass in resilience.
• A Powerful Cancer Survivor Story: Go behind the scenes of Conner’s public battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, fueled by his unforgettable mantra: "Fear is a choice. I choose not to fear cancer."
• Faith and Determination: Discover the spiritual principles and unwavering belief in God that gave him the strength to continue practicing with his team while undergoing treatment.
• From College Star to the NFL: Relive the triumphant, record-breaking college comeback and the emotional NFL draft moment when he was chosen by his hometown team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

James Conner is a running back for the Arizona Cardinals. In his freshman year at the University of Pittsburgh, James broke Tony Dorsett’s school record for most rushing yards in a bowl game with 229 yards. The following year, James set an ACC record with 26 rushing touchdowns in one season and was named the ACC Player of the Year. He made a triumphant return his senior year, propelling him into the NFL, where he was named to the Pro Bowl for the 2018 season.

Tiffany Yecke Brooks has worked as a lead or contributing writer for nearly two dozen books. She holds a PhD in Literature from Florida State University and teaches writing and publishing courses for several universities.